Police honor good Samaritan for help in hit-and-run case

Marci Shatzman Sun-Sentinel

Honored for his role in arresting a hit-and-run driver was Anthony Dechiario, third from left, between Capt. Rich McNevin, left, new Boynton Beach Police Chief Michael Gregory, and the honoree's family, from left Jay Cope, Theresa Gundel and Mary Cope.

Honored for his role in arresting a hit-and-run driver was Anthony Dechiario, third from left, between Capt. Rich McNevin, left, new Boynton Beach Police Chief Michael Gregory, and the honoree's family, from left Jay Cope, Theresa Gundel and Mary Cope. (Marci Shatzman Sun-Sentinel)

Anthony Dechiaro was sitting outside, waiting for his restaurant shift to start when he heard the crash.

The 19-year-old sprang into action, pushing one car out of the intersection and helping police identify the suspect of the hit-and-run.

For his actions on April 25, Dechiaro was presented by Boynton Beach police on Tuesday with a Citizen Commendation.

A freestyle rapper, Dechiaro responded with his own style of heartfelt thanks,

“I wanted to love all of them and understand,” the Boynton Beach resident said.

“He’s always had a heart to help,” his mother Teresa Gundel said afterward.

Dechiaro said that on the day of the crash he was sitting by Tijuana Flats, on the corner of Congress Avenue and Old Boynton Boulevard.

“I heard the noise and saw the crash through the bushes,” he said.

He saw one of the drivers flee on foot and stayed to help police identify the suspect, who was later caught.

“Anthony, who ended up being late to work that day, went above and beyond by staying at the scene and offering his assistance not only to the police department, but checking on the victim. He was even observed giving her a hug just to make her feel better,” said police Capt. Matthew Zeller.